Usability

ClassicsType One|
July 10 2016 |3

One of the most practical uses for minimal design is in creating inter- faces for wearables.
With a limited canvas size and a backlit black or very light background, simple design is a must for these even smaller devices.

Wearables embody the minimal motto, “less is more.” Every element of the design must have meaning, from text to images to motion to UI elements and actions. They need to be designed in a way that feels like a one-step process. Each screen must be accessed through an easy action without instruction. (Primarily because there’s not any room to provide such information.)

Highlights: Each screen must be accessed through an easy action without instruction.

With wearables, minimalism is used for apps and interfaces that might not opt for this style otherwise, such as games or information collection and distribution (news or list-making apps). Technology and adoption of wearables is also relatively new, encouraging a more simplistic approach. People who buy wearable often have a task-based objective for using the device, such as runners that track time and distance, or people that need constant access to email or other specific notifications

Minimalism is the choice for
wearable interfaces.

But it goes one step further than just minimalism in the design. It is minimal in how it works as well (which is important with other minimal interfaces, but is less imperative). Every action in a minimal wearable design must relate to a task that is designed as simply and seamlessly as possible.